Top Crossover SUV Models
Defining Crossover SUVs
A crossover SUV represents a new breed of utility vehicles with the classic features of an off-road while it handles like a car. Crossover SUV's or CUV's is the most blatant indication of the dwindling lines that separate different vehicle classes. But even though crossover SUV's aim to serve both markets of car owners and utility vehicle owners, this vehicle type has built a legitimate niche that all major car manufacturers gravitate to.
The biggest selling point expected from all crossover SUVs is its "feel." While this may be directed by design, Crossover SUVs should also give the driver the car-like experience down to its handling, reliability, and the essential features of practical driving. However, there is no set of defined features required to help classify crossover SUVs. Naturally, an SUV should have a high ground clearance, elevated seating, and 4-wheel drive capability. The meshing of two sets of features far distinctive from each other leaves consumers not knowing the difference between a true SUV and a crossover SUV.
Different Segments of Crossover SUVs
Crossover SUVs cover various vehicle classes depending on the convenience of the car seller or the car buyer. One segment of crossover SUVs includes compact to mid sized sedans. This segment usually has a small but efficient feel and can seat 4-5 people. One of top crossover SUVs in this segment is the BMW X3. The X3's sleekness is credited to its compacted design despite its high ground clearance. Following the X3 is the BMW X5, a bigger and more luxurious crossover SUV that packs the punch coming from a V8 engine. Other car models under this segment are the Lexus RX330 and the Toyota Harrier.
For crossover SUVs that emphasize seating space more than anything, we have the space wagon segment, which includes the likes of Ford Taurus X, the Subaru Forester, and the Volvo XC90. These top crossover SUVs have a roomy interior with high ceilings, giving them a noticeable bulge common in space wagons. The Volvo XC90 is a mid-size luxury SUV that maxes to a 4.4 liter V8 engine. The height afforded to crossover SUVs contributes to its safety, an aspect where the Volvo XC90 shines. With its sturdy build, the XC90 scored well on rear, front, and side impact crash tests.
The Ford Taurus is one of the top crossover SUVs developed to compete with 7-seat equivalents. Known as the Taurus X, the 2008 Ford crossover SUV has a 3.5 Duratec V6 engine. Though it contains enough room for seven people, its relatively low clearance and height coupled with the familiar front-grills gives the Taurus X a sporty feel that you won't necessarily get from other Ford models. The Taurus X has a great shot of making an impact this year in the Crossover SUV market.
Another crossover SUV segment follows the guise of minivans. Crossover SUVs with a minivan-like design follow more of a boxed structure that is usually larger than other kinds of SUVs. A fine example of this segment is the Dodge Journey. The Journey shares the same wheelbase that Dodge uses with their other minivans. Each of these segments represents the different approaches in designing crossover SUVs. As this product line becomes more defined, consumers will have a much better idea on who is the king among crossover SUV's.
The Market for Crossover SUVs Today
The biggest hesitation that some consumers have over crossover SUVs is the notion of form over use. While this new class of vehicles comes from different approaches taking various initiatives, all of the improvements surrounding these top crossover SUVs is based on space and design rather than presenting an actual use for them. Crossover SUVs lack the ruggedness and power of a true off-road and consumers are not willing to pay a premium for a little extra seating space. Even then, the market share of crossover SUVs is increasing as they continue to mature as a separate vehicle class. Most crossover SUVs appeal to the buying public because of increased fuel efficiency from hybrids and diesel engines.
As of yet, crossover SUV's do not belong in a formal classification as it continues to be a convenient term to describe an auto market full of people who want to combine the features of an SUV and a car. Crossover SUVs represent the demand's preference to size and footprint, while having an efficient vehicle that works perfectly on paved roads and cities. The success coming from the top crossover SUVs begins with perfectly mixing the right details taken from cars and utility vehicles then marketing these features the right way. If you are in the market for top crossover vehicles this year, you can view various rankings online starting with USNews (http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/SUVs/) and SUVRankings (http://www.suvrankings.net/). These SUVs are tested for safety, reliability, mileage, interior and exterior design, and value over cost.
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